OTTAWA, September 18, 2006 - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today announced the appointment of Harriet E. Walker, Chris Nelson, and Fredrik Stefan Eaton to the boards of trustees of three national museums. "I am certain that these three appointments will bring invaluable expertise to our national museums,"said Minister Oda.Harriet E. Walker, of Toronto, Ontario, has been appointed as part-time member of the board of trustees of the National Gallery of Canada. Ms. Walker is president of the firm Harriet Walker & Affiliates and sat on the board of directors of the Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum Foundation. The National Gallery of Canada Corporation is responsible for the management of the National Gallery of Canada and its affiliate, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. It develops, maintains, and promotes, throughout Canada and internationally, a collection of both historic and contemporary art with special, but not exclusive, reference to Canada. It furthers knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of art in general among all Canadians. The Corporation's website address is www.gallery.caChris Nelson, of Burlington, Ontario, has been appointed as a part-time member of the board of directors of the Canadian Museum of Nature. Mr. Nelson has been president of the Canadian Arthritis Network since 2001. He has also worked with the Pharmacia Corporation and the Monsanto Corporation.The Canadian Museum of Nature is an important federal cultural organization dedicated to increasing interest in, knowledge of, and appreciation and respect for our natural environment throughout Canada and the world. The Museum's website address is www.nature.caFredrik Stefan Eaton, of Toronto, Ontario, has been appointed as a part-time member of the board of trustees of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Mr. Eaton has worked in various positions at the T. Eaton Company Limited, which he joined in 1962. He is currently president of White Raven Capital Corporation. In the early 1990s, he worked as the High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation is the Crown Corporation responsible for managing the Canadian Museum of Civilization and its affiliated museum, the Canadian War Museum, as well as the Virtual Museum of New France. One of the Corporation's most important goals is to foster greater appreciation among Canadians of their shared heritage. The Corporation's website address is www.civilization.caBiographies of the appointees are attached.Information: Véronique BruneauPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Harriet E. WalkerMs. Walker has been president and event co-ordinator of Harriet Walker and Affiliates since 1991. From 1996 to 1997, she was Royal Visit program consultant for the Government of Ontario. She served as events co-ordinator for the Ontario Division of the Canadian Diabetes Association, from 1994 to 1995, and as director of public relations for the London Museum of Archaeology, from 1989 to 1991.Ms. Walker has been a trustee and co-chair of the board of the Royal Ontario Museum (1997-2003), and a governor of the board of the Royal Ontario Museum Foundation (2003-2006). She has also been active in other organizations, including the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Arts Foundation, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Kidney Foundation of Ontario, Toronto Women Music Club Awards Committee, and the New Directions Home for Single Mothers.Chris Nelson Mr. Nelson has been President of the Canadian Arthritis Network since 2001 and was vice-president of corporate and government affairs for Pharmacia Corporation from 2000 to 2001. From 1981 to 2000, he held a number of senior positions with the Searle Division of Monsanto, including vice-president of operations. Mr. Nelson was director of sales for the Clinique Division of Estée Lauder Inc. from 1980 to 1981 and held several senior positions with Eli Lilly and Company from 1971 to 1980, including Canadian sales manager, area manager, new products coordinator, and marketing planning manager.Fredrik Stefan EatonMr. Eaton is chair of White Raven Capital Corporation. He joined The T. Eaton Company in 1962 and held a variety of positions with the company in Victoria, British Columbia; Toronto, Ontario; and London, England. He was appointed director of the company in 1967 and president and director of Eaton's of Canada in 1969. He became chair, president, and chief executive officer of The T. Eaton Company in 1977.In 1991, Mr. Eaton was appointed High Commissioner for Canada to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and served until 1994. In 1990, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, and he received the Order of Ontario in 2001.Mr. Eaton is a trustee of the Catherine and Fredrik Eaton Charitable Foundation, vice-chair of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, patron founder and past president of the Art Gallery of Ontario, former chancellor of the University of New Brunswick, and former chair of the board of trustees of the University Health Network.
